Man admits murdering ex and new boyfriend in Huddersfield

Marcus Osbourne attacked and killed ex-girlfriend Katie Higton and Steven Harnett in May

Steven Harnett (R) and Katie Higton (L) were found dead at a house in Dalton in May
Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 5th Jul 2023

A man has admitted murdering his ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend in an attack in Huddersfield in May.

Marcus Osbourne, 34, killed 27-year-old Katie Higton and Steven Harnett, 25, at their home in Harpe Inge, Dalton.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of murder during a brief hearing at Leeds Crown Court on Wednesday (July 05).

A judge told Osbourne that he killed the couple "in circumstances in which you planned the attacks and you executed them over a period of several hours".

Osbourne also admitted the false imprisonment and rape of another woman.

Judge Guy Kearl KC, the Recorder of Leeds, remanded Osbourne in custody and said he will be sentenced on October 4.

Judge Kearl told Osbourne: "You have pleaded guilty to the murder of two people - your former partner Katie Higton and her subsequent partner Steven Harnett - in circumstances in which you planned the attacks and you executed them over a period of several hours on May 15 of this year."

He told the defendant he faces an inevitable life sentence for the murders and the judge in October will have to determine the minimum term he must serve before he is considered for parole.

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